Beaugard, a former Brennan High School running back and 2012 graduate, survived the collision but is now facing the transition into life as a double amputee.

After spending the first days after the accident on life support and enduring multiple surgeries, he is now responsive and healing — both physically and mentally — his girlfriend of nearly four years, Janell Perez, said by phone Friday.

“He has a really positive attitude about everything,” Perez said. “He’s determined to get better. He progresses, even with the small things.”

Along with recently joining a semi-pro football team, Perez said, Beaugard is the father of the couple’s 3-year-old son. She said he remains optimistic about still being able to do the things he was used to doing before the accident.

“It was a hard transition. It was hard for him to realize it’s not going to be the same, but he’s still excited about his future,” she said. “I knew at the moment his life was going to change and I was OK with that. I knew I would be at his side.”

Perez said her boyfriend’s doctors haven’t said when they might release him. He is still recovering from the amputations, a shattered left arm, a broken thumb and severe road rash. She said he has no medical insurance to cover the mounting medical expenses.

His family has created a GoFundMe account in Beaugard’s name to alleviate the costs. The fund, started on Sept. 23, has generated a little more than $5,000 in donations as of Friday night, but medical bills are expected to “exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars,” his girlfriend said.

Beaugard’s family, especially Perez and his stepmother, Stephanie Beaugard, want his supporters to know their help has not gone unnoticed.

“We want to make sure everyone knows that we’re grateful for the outpouring of support,” Stephanie Beaugard said as she fought back tears. “He’s going to have his days. He has his ups and downs, but he’s making it.”